CILS (Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language) – the official name of the certificate certifying the degree of knowledge of the Italian language as a foreign language. International language exam CILS approved by the International University of Siena (University of Siena for Foreigners) and officially recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy. Availability of certificate CILS beneficial to those who study Italian, who is working or studying in Italy or on work related to the Italian language (for example, working abroad or in joint enterprises with Italy, etc.), and those who want to determine their level of knowledge of the Italian language. International Italian language exam CILS has 4 levels. Each level is an independent and complete. At each level of communication skills are assessed in a variety of areas: social, professional and academic.
Who can take CILS?
Take the exam CILS can anyone who is not a citizen of Italy (except for the descendants of Italian immigrants living abroad), and for whom the Italian language is not native. No age restrictions for those wishing to take the exam. Not necessarily have special diplomas, as well as optionally take the test first on a lower level, then to be treated at a high level.
Prepare for the exam CILS can anyone who is sure that he owns the Italian language at one of four levels and meets all the requirements for the exam.
Availability of certificate CILS beneficial to those who study Italian, who is working or studying in Italy or on work related to the Italian language (for example, works with Italy in joint enterprises, etc.), and those who want to determine their knowledge of the Italian language .
Each level of the exam measures the ability to communicate in a variety of situations: home, professional, etc. depending on the level of language proficiency.
- The first level assesses the ability to communicate in everyday common situations.
- The second level allows certificate holders to apply to universities in Italy without a special introductory language test.
- International students with a certificate on the third and fourth levels, can get extra points and, respectively, more likely to enroll in Italian universities.
The International University of Siena, a certificate CILS on the third level is a prerequisite for enrollment in the course of Italian language and culture in the Italian language courses and teaching methods for teachers and the course of Italian literature, history and art.
The fourth level allows admission to the Course teaching the Italian language to foreigners and to special schools teaching techniques of Italian language for foreigners. The fourth level of communication skills demonstrates that the alien is entitled to use the Italian language professionally. For example, this level is required to teach Italian to the second level. Many Italian companies operating abroad and want to hire foreigners or foreign companies that work with Italy, the demand for a job CILS certificate in accordance with the work that they intend to perform. For example, for the future of security personnel in the Italian railway company, the minimum level of proficiency should be a second level of CILS.
Exams and grades
All exams are designed in a special center at the International University of Siena, in accordance with European standards set by the Council of Europe. For each of the five sections can be a maximum of 20 points, and at least to gain 11 points. The highest number of points you can score on all sections – 100 points, minimum – 55 points. To get a certificate CILS, you need to dial a minimum score in each section. If you earn a minimum score in only a few sections, you may have to re-take the sections in which you did not collect the minimum number of points. The results for those sections of the exam, which have been successfully delivered, valid for one year from the date of the examination.
When and where to take exams CILS?
Outside Italy CILS exam can be taken at the Italian cultural centers and other specialized institutions, with the right to receive this exam. In Italy, the CILS exam taken at the International University of Siena, and other institutions that have special accreditation, such as the educational center in Tuscany and other regions (Centri Territoriali di Educazione Permanente), in the language centers of some universities, etc. CILS exams officially taken 2 times a year, in early June and in December.
CILS levels
CILS 1
Successful completion of the international exam of Italian language CILS 1 confirms the ownership of the Italian language at the household level, necessary for communication in daily life.
CILS 2
Successful completion of the international exam of Italian language CILS 2 gives the right to enroll in Italian universities, which are taught in Italian.
CILS 3
Successful completion of the international exam of Italian language CILS 3 Certificate on free level knowledge of the Italian language, enough to live and work in Italy.
CILS 4
Successful completion of the international exam of Italian language CILS 4 demonstrates knowledge of the Italian language at the level of media. Entitles the teaching of Italian as a foreign language at the intermediate level.
CELI (Certificatos di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana)
Another certificate approving the knowledge of the Italian language at the appropriate level. Issued upon successful completion of the international exams in the Italian language by the International University of Perugia (Universita per Stranieri di Perugia). The examinations are conducted in accordance with the ALTE (Association of language tests in Europe.)
CELI 1
CELI 1 exam is held at the primary level necessary to communicate in Italian in everyday living situations.
CELI 2
The exam of Italian language CELI 2 meets the basic requirements of the Council of Europe for international language exams. CELI 2 exam is conducted at the beginning and intermediate level language skills tests required for interactive communication in a variety of everyday situations.
CELI 3
CELI 3 exam is held at the middle level and assesses the ability to communicate in Italian in everyday living situations.
CELI 4
CELI 4 exam conducted at an advanced level and is suitable for those who wish to study in Italian schools or work in the Italian company. At this stage the exam you should be able to discuss a variety of topics in the area of personal interest, and in particular the specific areas.
CELI 5
Exam CELI 5 is at an advanced level and evaluates the skills necessary to use the Italian language in various situations in order to communicate in a variety of professional and social issues.